Six green care apprentices, who have undertaken horticulture and landscaping qualifications, were presented with certificates at a Dudley Council event yesterday.

The group were invited to meet with the local authority’s cabinet member for highways and public realm, as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

Aged between 24 and 43, the group have completed Horticulture and Landscape Operative Awards at Level 2 or Level 3.

The apprentices all have permanent posts within the green care team. Councillor Shaz Saleem, cabinet member for highways and public realm, said:

“Apprenticeships offer people a chance to learn skills on the job and these programmes are a fantastic gateway into work and progression opportunities for people at all points in their career.

“It’s great to hear how these apprentices have successfully completed their qualifications and I’m delighted that they can now progress in their chosen career.”

Horticulturist Adam Westwood, who participated in the programme, added: “The apprenticeship levy gives people the opportunity to upskill and gain new qualifications.

“As someone in the middle of my working life, I was surprised to see how many benefits the apprenticeships programmes can have for people of all ages and career levels.

“I am now looking forward to applying the new skills I have learnt in the job I love

People can find out more about apprenticeships with Dudley Council at dudley.gov.uk.